Diana Serra Cary (1918–2020)

I loved this book and its unique perspective on early Hollywood. Cary focuses on the life of her father, Jack Montgomery, whose cowboy film career spans the 1910s up into the 1950s. He was a real deal cowboy, part of a old-timey group of other cowboys dubbed the Gower Gulch Gang after the location of their original saloon, the Waterhole, off Gower Street. The book goes into great detail on the horrible riding stunts back in the day--which the cowboys despised and resisted, but often did because they had families to feed--to the inside gossip on which of the big stars was a more genuine cowboy (Gene Autry no, Roy Rogers yes) to her father's role in the opening months of Disneyland. It is absolutely fascinating.

Cary's own incredible life is touched upon, too. She was 'Baby Peggy,' a major child star through the silent era. She talks about Hollywood as someone who knew the industry literally from the time she could speak. However, this book is never all about her; the balance is just right. Her life is mentioned at times because she's in the orbit of her father and his Gower Gulch buddies.

I think the book is a must-read for anyone who grew up on westerns. I did. To this day, my parents will watch old western series and movies almost every day. I've probably seen Jack Montgomery a hundred times and never knew who he was or the vast experience he brought to the screen. Now I do, and I respect him and his brethren all the more for the hard work they endured before 'crossing the Jordan.'… (más)